Agricultural Advisory Board Meeting | July 21, 2026

The Buncombe County Agricultural Advisory Board met on July 21, 2026, to discuss farmland preservation efforts and upcoming projects. Key procurement-related topics included the approval of five voluntary agricultural district (VAD) renewal applications covering about 200 acres, and updates on several agricultural growth zone (AGZ) properties undergoing surveys and environmental assessments. The board reviewed new easement purchase projects, including three tracts from the Rhyr Davis family totaling approximately 130 acres, the Slutter Branch property, and the Ruby Brown Farm, all aimed at preserving farmland through easement acquisitions. The board anticipates requesting about $2 million in state AGZ grant funds matched by $2 million from existing bonds to support these projects, with some projects potentially funded solely by bonds. They also plan to apply for grants to update the farmland protection plan and conduct a cost of community services study to support future funding requests. The meeting included discussions on deed template changes related to farmstead building areas to comply with state funding requirements. The board scheduled farm visits for August to review the new projects before voting on funding allocations and easement purchases later in the year.